RESPONSES FROM
FELLOW TEACHERS
We asked a few teachers for their
reflections on our article and questions
under our Food for Thought section.
These are their contributions. We
hope they inspire you to also share
your thoughts! |
“The concept ‘one-size-fits-all’
cannot exist when it comes to my students.
One of the teacher’s greatest challenges
is to find the strength of an individual
child and develop that strength to
its fullest potential. I realise we
cannot expect all students to only
excel academically. In these few years
of teaching, I have also learnt to
avoid making assumptions about my
students because often, these assumptions
proved to be inaccurate. It is amazing
how my students are willing to learn
from me when they realise how much
I’m willing to learn from them. They
have so much drive and passion, which,
when given the right opportunities,
will definitely surface!”
Mdm M N Lafrieda,
Teacher, Seng Kang Secondary School |
“I was once very inspired by the
tenacity and drive of the Vice-President
of the Students' Council in my JC.
He came from a similar family background
as mine – single-parent and with one
sibling. Some teachers felt that he
was not as bright as the others and
therefore would not make it to the
top. Then, he suffered a big blow
when he failed to qualify for the
'S' papers. As his teacher mentor,
and also as someone who could identify
with him as a student struggling to
compete among the brightest, I found
my inner voice and conscience calling
me to continually boost his confidence.
I helped him to discover his aspirations
and monitored his performance in various
aspects. I wanted to see him ‘sparkle’,
like a rough diamond that has been
polished to shine. I was so happy
when he managed to secure his 'S'
papers. He caught almost everyone
by surprise when he became a President’s
and an Overseas SAF Scholar, beating
even the strongest contender!”
Mrs Nicholas Ng, a Junior College
teacher |
“I will not be who I am today without
my inspiring teachers! Indeed, my
teachers had inspired, guided and
showered me with their love and compassion
when I was a student. To me, my secondary
school years were the most crucial
and unforgettable because it was then
that I built up a strong foundation
in various domains of my student life.
This foundation has put me in good
stead to excel in my undergraduate
studies as well as in the army. I
can still recall vividly the uncountable
hours that my dedicated teachers spent
educating and nurturing me. They had
been more than just educators; they
were my "friends" who cared.
Their unconditional love and willingness
to give have motivated me to do likewise,
if not more. As an educator now, I
strive to know my students better,
capitalise on opportunities to inspire
them and share my experiences and
thoughts with them, so that they,
too, will be moved and committed to
strive to develop themselves holistically.”
Mr Toh Chee Keong, HOD (Pupil
Development/CCA), Seng Kang Secondary
School |
